How to Transfer Someone From Bed To Chair
Sometimes the person you’re caring for will need help getting out of bed because of pain, surgery or difficulty moving. You may be worried that they’ll fall if they try it alone or you might be afraid to injure yourself. In this video, we’ll review how to help move someone out of bed in a way that will protect both of you from injury.
Sometimes the person you’re caring for will need help getting out of bed because of pain, surgery or difficulty moving
You may be worried that they’ll fall if they try it alone or you might be afraid to injure yourself
In this video, we’ll review how to help move someone out of bed in a way that will protect both of you from injury
Let’s try it
First, gather everything you’ll need.
To help them up, you’ll need a portable chair, commode chair or wheelchair for their bedside
And Non-slip footwear for the both of you
Start by putting on some non-slip shoes and bringing the chair you’ll be using close to the bedside. You don’t need to put it in place just yet.
Help the person you’re caring for put on non-slip footwear and help them sit up at the side of the bed.
Bring the chair in as close as possible to the bed and position it on the side of the person you’re caring for that is the strongest
If the chair has breaks, make sure you put those on first.
If you’re using a wheelchair, sometimes the arms will come off or flip-up. Remove the arm from the side closest to the bed only. Also, make sure any foot or leg rests are out of the way or removed.
Once the chair is in place, help the person you’re caring for to get as close to the edge of the bed as they can, with their feet flat on the floor
While you help, pay special attention to your own body. Make sure you’re using good posture with your back straight, your feet apart about the same width as your shoulders and your knees bent slightly.
Supporting their weaker side by holding their hips, not under their arms, help the person you’re caring for stand up.
It’s helpful to position your foot in front of theirs when they stand, to prevent their feet from sliding.
If they’re able, have the person you’re caring for hold the handrail furthest away with their stronger arm, and then help them pivot and sit in the chair.
As they sit, bend your knees to meet them at their level instead of bending forward at your waist.
They may need help getting adjusted and comfortable then finish up by replacing any foot or armrests on the chair
If the person you’re caring for can’t stand or pivot like this, there are assistive devices that can help
An occupational therapist or physiotherapist can help identify and assess any problems you’re having and recommend some devices that can help; like a transfer belt, slider board or pivot disc. Your local health integration network office can help set up a home visit with a therapist.
Protecting yourself from injury is the best way to make sure you’ll be able to help someone else.
Using the tips in this video, you can help protect yourself and the person you’re caring for while you help them safely get out of bed.
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Resource Information:
Type: Video
Length: Short (< 5 minutes)
Conditions: Disability/Impairment , Other
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